Pope Francis attends Festival of Families in Philadelphia
NEW YORK (WLS) -- Pope Francis arrived Saturday morning in Philadelphia, the third and final city he'll visit during his time in the United States.
The pope was greeted by roaring crowds before heading to downtown Philadelphia to celebrate Mass and attend the Festival of Families Saturday night, hosted by actor Mark Wahlberg and featuring several entertainers including, comedian Jim Gaffigan, an Elgin native, as well as singing legend Aretha Franklin.
VIDEO: Pope Francis speaks at Festival of Families in Philadelphia
As evening fell on the city, a papal parade traveled about two miles along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and drew thousands. The parade was designed to allow for as many as people as possible to see the pope.
Pope Francis arrived in Philadelphia from New York City at about 8:30 a.m. At the airport, the pope - already in his motorcade - told his security detail to stop. He then went over to a young boy in a motorized wheelchair and blessed him. His family was emotionally overcome that the pope would take some time with their son.
The pope's first stop was to Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul - the largest church in Pennsylvania. People were lined up several people deep awaiting his arrival. In the crowd, was a group of Chicago students from Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Belmont in Lincoln Park, proudly showed their Chicago colors for the pope.
"It's very cool," said Maddie Kyhl, a Mount Carmel student. "I can't even wrap my head around it."
A large portion of Center City, Philadelphia, was fenced off for security on Saturday. No regular traffic is being allowed in the downtown area. Anyone who passes through the area has to pass through security screening lines.
PHOTOS: Pope Francis attends Festival of Families
A number of families from the Chicago area have made the trip to Philadelphia.
"I think he's different, I grew up with John Paul II, it's like, he was more conservative and Pope Francis is not as conservative, it's a different feeling," said Joe David, of Dyer, Ind., who planned the trip with his family for months.
At Independence Hall, Pope Francis spoke of religious freedom, calling for people of all religions to show peace, tolerance and respect for others.
Then, addressing Hispanics and recent immigrants, he told them "never be ashamed of your traditions."
Angie Dybas, who traveled to Philadelphia from Sycamore, Ill., agreed.
PHOTOS: Pope Francis speaks at Independence Hall
"We all came from across the pond. America was born from people that came from Europe and my family were immigrants from Italy so I think to exclude somebody is just wrong," Dybas said.
Pope Francis will depart for Rome Sunday evening from Philadelphia, but not before a Sunday mass which is expected to draw one million people.
The pope's Saturday schedule of events is listed below.
9:30 a.m.: Mass for Clergy and Religious, Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
3:30 p.m.: Independence Hall speech - Pope speaking in Spanish, focus on immigration and immigrant families. He's using a lecturn used by Abraham Lincoln to deliver the Gettysburg Address.
5:45 p.m.: Popemobile Parade - he'll pass by on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, heading from Logan Square to the stage at the base of the famous Art Museum steps.
6:30 p.m.: Festival of Families - Part of the World Meeting of Families, a Catholic effort to strengthen families. Italian opera star Andrea Bocelli will perform along with Aretha Franklin. Actor Mark Wahlberg is the host.
